Depending on who you ask, the arcades are dying or dying or on their last legs… now about 40 40 years. The reality is more complex, new business models, large complexes such as barcades, dave and busters, and VR/Acknowledges/experimental options are replaced by them.
But the classic arcade, where you can leave a two quarters to play the latest game from one of the best studios in the industry, definitely seen better days. And while many local arcades in Japan have been more than most of the longer, their numbers have been decreasing in recent years.
Before being occupied by these locations too late, photographer Vector Alonu traveled in Japan a month in 2023 and visited dozens of classic arcades for photography book named Last game centers. So far, the book has not received the English language release (the original release includes Spanish and Japanese text), although this weekend and running until May 5, Alono is Book photos in Los Angeles at && gallery.
Photo: Vector Aluno
As part of trying to feature game -related books and documentary films, Polygon is running an email interview series with people behind them. See the full list to read Sky And Intersected Art books, a Street Fighter 2 Documentary film, and others. Below, Elono discussed Last game centersIt plans to travel in Japan, and the English version of the book.
Polygon: I like the concept of a book. How did you decide which game centers are featured? Do you have some standards you were looking for?
Vector Elono: Thank you! The selection process was very organic. I have been going to Japan for photography purposes since 2015, but this time was different. In 2023, as soon as this country opened after Kov, I traveled in Japan for a whole month, mainly Tokyo and Osaka with a clear mission: document more game centers. I was primarily looking for spaces that maintained their identity despite the passing years, places that make 100 % authentic. I was not necessarily looking for the biggest or most famous arcades, but with the soul that was still open … where locals still gather to play and catch daily. Super Street Fighter II X Tournaments etc. If a game center has a “elimination of away”, it will be included in my list because I (knew) that this “soon” would be closed. Finally, I document more than 30 game centers, but the book includes only 25. Sadly, two years later, 1/4 of them already closed or disappeared. This is a tragic story and we are thinking about how to approach it for the second edition of the book, as it can change in a dramatic way.
Do you have a favorite picture of this book you can share with us?
It is only difficult to choose one, but there is a shot I played in Rado that always gets me. The place was abandoned half, only a handful of old machines, but still moving. In this photo, a salary holder has been arrested who has just come out of the venue. It is a powerful icon that connects my classic street photography with the 80s shows I was looking for. Vintage bulb lights shine in the background, an amazing old school billboard … and silence. It feels like the last heartbeat of a forgotten kingdom.
Photo: Vector Aluno
Have you had any problems with arcade owners who don’t want to include their arcades in the book?
Surprisingly, no. Everyone who met me was incredibly open, even touched that someone had traveled to document their place. Many owners actually shared personal stories. I think he paid a kind of tribute to the project – a way to preserve a part of his life that is slowly disappearing. There was a lot of confidence, and I tried to respect and respect the culture of how I told every story. At the opening of the exhibition at the Metor Gallery, I also had many good stories. Many people in the industry came to take a look at the book and introduce themselves, some of them showed me the old flyer, or even in the 90s, the opening day, etc. It was very touching for me.
I was sorry to see the book “Black Label” version Its kickstarter did not kill the purpose of the campaign. Are you looking for a black label edition, or other ways to publish any kind of English edition?
Yes … Black Label Edition was a dream version: big format, more photos, some notes behind the curtain. We did not reach the purpose of funding, but the love and support we got told me that it was still able to pursue. We are looking for alternative ways to perform the second edition of the book because the original book is nearly sold! And yes, I definitely want to have an English edition with my editor Heroes de Popal. I get almost weekly messages from people around the world, and I want to bring the story to everyone who has ever dropped the coin into the cabinet and felt some spark.
